Around the world

Saturday

Sep 29, 2012 at 12:01 AM

AUVERS-SUR-OISE, France

The leader of an Iranian militant group that was taken off the U.S. terror list on Friday says the move will change her group's "balance of power" with the world - predicting a higher profile in politics, fundraising and diplomacy as well as increased anti-regime activity in Iran.

The U.S. State Department said the People's Mujahedeen of Iran hasn't committed terror for more than a decade. The decision means that effective immediately, any assets the group has in the United States are unblocked and Americans are permitted to do business with the organization.

Maryam Rajavi, the Paris-based head of the exiled opposition group, said that she hopes the organization can now have the ear of the world's diplomats to help bolster its bid to overthrow Iran's clerical regime.

BRIEFLY ...

? TRIPOLI, Libya - Hundreds of Libyans held a demonstration in Tripoli on Friday demanding the breakup of militia groups and the formation of a national army and police.

? SANAA, Yemen - Thousands of protesters marched in the Yemeni capital on Friday, demanding the return of millions of dollars that were allegedly stolen by the country's former authoritarian ruler, Ali Abdullah Saleh.